RSVPnow for our telethon! Also -- we have a stretch goal for after we meet our goal. Please keep contributing even after we reach our $40k goal!

UPDATE 11/15:

In celebration of reaching $35K, we wanted to share something with the world. This is a conversation between Neil Gaiman (The Sandman) and Stephen Bissette (Swamp Thing) in which they discuss Mike Diana's case, the nature of censorship, and the Hairspray video that wasn't. Enjoy, and please tell your friends about our campaign so we can reach our goal -- so close!

UPDATE 11/4:

Buzz is building! Outrage and disbelief are mounting as we get the word out about what happened to Mike.

UPDATE 11/3: Several new rewards are now available, including original artwork by Mike Diana and street artist Judith Supine, a limited edition VHS release of the finished movie, and a year subscription to horror streaming platform SHUDDER. Everything has been added to the listings below.

Collage by Judith Supine

UPDATE 11/2: To celebrate reaching the halfway point, we are sharing a little gem we dug up from our archives.

Check it out -- the flier that Mike's army of anti-censorship protestors handed out outside his trial. Click on the photo for larger, downloadable versions.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You may notice some images censored on this page. Nothing will be blacked out in our film.

Does Freedom of Speech mean anything when authorities see only obscenity? Does an artist’s vision matter when community standards conspire to suppress it? In a small town in Florida back in 1994, Mike Diana learned that the answer was a resounding no. Freedom of Speech doesn’t mean anything when your art is declared obscene. And one man’s art could be another man’s obscenity.

Diana’s crime? Publishing a hand-made comic zine called Boiled Angel full of graphic, outrageous, often hilarious confrontational art, full of sex and violence, meant to shock and disturb. But it was a zine only sold to adults by mail. With a print run of only 300 copies, Diana’s zine was NEVER available in comic racks or in stores. And only one copy – count ‘em, one! – was ever sold to a customer in Diana’s hometown. And that one customer was an undercover cop!

Authorities in Florida were so appalled by Diana’s art that they first thought he was a serial killer! After determining that he wasn’t, they nevertheless decided to put him on trial for three counts of obscenity. Then, amazingly, the prosecution brought in a psychologist who testified that Mike’s comics could actually CREATE serial killers!

With an enraged community up in arms, Diana was found guilty. Though he only served four days in jail rather than the three years the prosecution asked for, he was put on probation for three years with a laundry list of regulations that included forbidding him to draw anything that MIGHT be considered obscene, even for his own pleasure in the privacy of his own home! And authorities were allowed to conduct warrantless searches to see that this was enforced.

Boiled Angel "Ate" - Front and Back (By Mike Diana)

"It’s shocking that these things happen but I wanna make people more aware these things were going on around them, like priests molesting children." - Mike Diana, Seconds #38

Of course, that all happened in 1994 but it’s worth reminding people how fast one can lose their First Amendment rights.

It might seem like obscenity charges are a thing of the past but as the recent past has repeatedly shown us, Freedom of Speech is something that must be continually fought and won. And, unfortunately, history has a way of repeating itself.

THE TRIAL OF MIKE DIANA is not only an urgent reminder of how authorities can dictate what adults may create, see, and read, but it’s also a multi-faceted celebration of one of the most unique artists of the last 30 years.

“Because if you don't stand up for the stuff you don't like, when they come for the stuff you do like, you've already lost.” - Neil Gaiman

By Mike Diana

THE TRIAL OF MIKE DIANA has already begun production with the full participation of Mike Diana and unprecedented access to his personal archives, but we need your help to make it a reality. We feel strongly about telling this story honestly, without shying away from the controversial nature of the case or the extremity of the artwork itself. This is why we are making this as a completely independent film, with no outside interests to control the message.

We're most of the way through shooting, but some of our key remaining interviews will require some travel. We will be using funds raised from this campaign to cover basic travel expenses.

For a film about an artist, we will need to make sure that art is represented onscreen in a uniquely cinematic way, using a combination of techniques including original animation by Mike Diana himself. The post-production process will be a tremendous undertaking, but one that will shape the film into a finished product worthy of it's incredible subject. The editing process, as well as a final sound mix, color correction pass, and the composition of an original score will account for the bulk of how funds will be used.

Lastly, a full legal review will also be necessary, as you can probably imagine given the nature of the project. This is costly, but ultimately a requirement for a film that deals so heavily with the court system itself.

If fully funded, we aim to complete principal photography by the end of the year. The editing process will be happening concurrently with the remaining shoots, and we plan to have a version of the film ready to show at festivals in early 2017.

We want to get Mike Diana's story out there in a big way, so we'll be bringing the film to the widest audiences possible. Following a festival run, we'll be seeking distribution to bring the film to audiences in theaters, as well as home video, VOD and SVOD.

By Mike Diana

Cult filmmaking legend Frank Henenlotter is directing the film. Henenlotter's films such as BASKET CASE, BRAIN DAMAGE, and FRANKENHOOKER have secured his legacy as one of the masters of the "horror comedy". In recent years he has also created several feature documentaries about the fringes of filmmaking he dearly loves with THAT'S SEXPLOITATION! and HERSCHELL GORDON LEWIS: THE GODFATHER OF GORE. He has also helped to preserve exploitation film history through his involvement with the distributor Something Weird Video.

Producer Anthony Sneed will be familiar to fans of Henenlotter's work, having had starring roles in the director's films BAD BIOLOGY and the upcoming CHASING BANKSY, which Sneed co-wrote. He founded 85 North Productions. He is a performer at the Upright Citizens Brigade and Magnet theaters, and has also exhibited work as an artist in both the fine art and street art arenas.

Producer Mike Hunchback is the author of "Pulp Macabre: The Art of Lee Brown Coye's Darkest Era", as well as a longtime staple of the DIY punk scene. He currently plays rhythm guitar in Screeching Weasel and co-owns Co-Op 87 Records in Brooklyn, NY.

Associate Producer Caitlin McGurk is the Associate Curator for Outreach as well as an Assistant Professor at the Ohio State University Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum, the largest collection of comic and cartoon art in the world. You can see more about the library at cartoons.osu.edu.

We can't get this story out there without you. In exchange for your financial support, we put together a sinfully delightful assortment of rewards large and small, designed to fit any budget.

This is a story that affects us all, and there are lots of ways to help that you may not even be aware of.

1. Make a contribution. Every pledge, no matter how big or small, truly helps!

2. Spread the word! Post to your favorite site that discusses anything from indie comics to legal justice. Forward to a friend. Alert your favorite publication or newsletter. Tweet about it.

Love our campaign graphics? We do too! Everything here (with the exception of Mike Diana's artwork) has been created by the very talented Steve Dressler. Visit his site to learn more about him. Thank you, Steve!

Risks and challenges

One of our biggest challenges may be that Mike's art isn't for everyone. That's a big part of the story, in our minds. Grappling with this line between trash and treasure will require we show and talk about art that may make some folks uncomfortable. But we know this is also a topic that will inspire and excite many, artistically, intellectually, or both.

We're a seasoned group of filmmakers and we're far enough into the production process that we know nothing can keep us from telling this extraordinary story. We hope you'll join us in telling it free of external pressures, the way the story needs to be told.

Support

Select this reward

Pledge $5 or more
About $5

Mike Diana Holiday E-Card

Nothing says Merry Christmas like a digital card made by the first artist to be convicted of obscenity in the US. Print it out and shock your friends and family this holiday season! You'll also get exclusive backer updates.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $15 or more
About $15

Mike Diana Digital Case Files

A digital treasure trove of goodies! Wanna know the gory details of this precedent-setting legal case without having to wait for the release of the film? You'll get access to scores of PDFs with yet-unreleased details. Read the entire appeal, see Mike Diana artwork used as evidence in the trial, and more.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $20 or more
About $20

Collectible 1 Inch Mike Diana Lapel Pin

Show your support for indie comics and free speech with this fashionable enamel lapel pin, designed by Steve Dressler and featuring our very own Mike Diana. Not yet available anywhere outside of this campaign. Approximately 1 inch in size.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $35 or more
About $35

THE TRIAL OF MIKE DIANA - DVD

You like physical media, and that's great. We do too. Want to hold the movie in your hot little hands? This reward gets you a DVD of the finished film. You can place it proudly on your shelf, or maybe give it as a gift to a young person who doesn't believe you when you tell them DVDs are a thing people still buy.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $40 or more
About $40

EARLYBIRD DISCOUNT: SIGNED BLU-RAY!

LIMITED PERK: The first 30 people to order the signed Blu-ray get it for $40, which is $15 cheaper than the regular price! Hurry - once its gone its gone.

Get your physical media fix, now with extra-special bonus: your copy of the Trial of Mike Diana will be on Blu-ray. BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! Frank Henenlotter and Mike Diana's signatures will grace the cover. What are you waiting for?

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $45 or more
About $45

FLASH SALE: SIGNED BLU-RAY!

LIMITED REWARD: 5 people can obtain a signed Blu-ray for $45, which is $10 cheaper than the regular price! Hurry - once its gone its gone.

Get your physical media fix, now with extra-special bonus: your copy of the Trial of Mike Diana will be on Blu-ray. BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! Frank Henenlotter and Mike Diana's signatures will grace the cover. What are you waiting for?

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

Original Art: "Untitled (Zipperface)"

Want to own a piece of original artwork by Mike Diana without blowing your life savings in the process? This one-of-a-kind drawing is perfect for your needs. For the low price of only $50 you'll get this S&M treat, along with a digital download of our movie, a holiday e-card, and digital case files. The safe word is "value".

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

Original Art: "Untitled (Cleaver)"

This original art will hit you like a cleaver to the face. You can own this Mike Diana drawing, along with a digital download of our movie, a holiday e-card, and digital case files for the low price of $50. *Medical bills for face wound not included.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

Original Art: "Untitled (Scorpion)"

Have you ever been chased down a hill by a giant scorpion? Of course you have. We've all been there. Why not celebrate this universal experience by purchasing artwork that truly captures it. You can own this Mike Diana drawing, along with a digital download of our movie, a holiday e-card, and digital case files for the low price of $50.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

Original Art: "Untitled (Sea Life)"

Some underwater creatures have an appetite for man meat. We can't change this simple fact, but we can acknowledge it by depicting it through art. That's just what Mike Diana has done. You can own this original drawing, along with a digital download of our movie, a holiday e-card, and digital case files for the low price of $50.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

Original Art: "Untitled (Spider Brains)"

Some people have an irrational fear of spiders. What if those people are right? What if spiders just want to eat our brains? We'll never know for sure, but what we CAN do is enjoy this original drawing by Mike Diana. You can own this one-of-a-kind illustraton, along with a digital download of our movie, a holiday e-card, and digital case files for the low price of $50.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

THE TRIAL OF MIKE DIANA - Signed VHS

LIMITED REWARD: Do you miss the days of trading extreme videos in the mail with other fringe culture enthusiasts? Did you first discover outsider art during trips to the mom n' pop video store? Are your shelves lined with tapes containing movies too insane to ever make the jump to newer media? Good news! We're partnering with Lunchmeat to produce a limited edition VHS release of our movie, each one featuring an original drawing and signature by Mike Diana on it. Not only that, but you'll also get a digital download of the film in case you want to watch it in both HD clarity AND analog glory! Plus a Mike Diana e-card and digital case files. Get em while they last! *Note: VHS edition will be shipped out when the film goes into general home video release, after its traditional distribution run.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

Original Art: "Untitled (Demon Couple)"

Demons. They're just like us. You can own this original drawing of a totally relatable demonic scene, along with a digital download of our movie, a holiday e-card, and digital case files for the low price of $50.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

Original Art: "Untitled (Excited Baby)"

Mike Diana has a unique point of view. Shock your loved ones by sharing that point of view with them in the form of this drawing. You'll also get a digital download of our movie, a holiday e-card, and digital case files for the low price of $50.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $55 or more
About $55

THE TRIAL OF MIKE DIANA - Signed Blu-ray

Get your physical media fix, now with extra-special bonus: your copy of the Trial of Mike Diana will be on Blu-ray. BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! Frank Henenlotter and Mike Diana's signatures will grace the cover. What are you waiting for?

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $60 or more
About $60

LIMITED REWARD: SHUDDER subscription

Have you been looking for a streaming service that caters to your specific tastes? Disappointed in the horror selection on most streaming platforms? SHUDDER is the service by and for horror fans of every stripe. Most of our director Frank Henenlotter's film are on this service, not to mention an enormous roster of genre films from every era, curated to include the best of the best. With this reward you'll get a year subscription to SHUDDER (valued at $50), plus a digital download of of our movie, digital case files, and a holiday e-card all for the low price of $60!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $80 or more
About $80

Elmer Print + Personalized Signature

LIMITED: Straight from the 'brain' and the pen of Frank Henenlotter, you'll get a limited-edition print of a Henenlotter sketch of Elmer, the iconic character from his film Brain Damage. This print will fit in an 8.5 x 11 frame and will come with a personalized signature to you by Frank.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

Exclusive Mike Diana Comic Book

EXCLUSIVE REWARD ALERT! Mike Diana is making a limited edition mini-comic just for Kickstarter backers. It's a very limited edition run -- a physical, full-color release. You know you want one. Oh, and it comes with a signed Blu-ray, too. No-brainer!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $125 or more
About $125

Teenagers From Mars SIGNED + Blu + Comic

Teenagers from Mars is a terrific graphic novel, written by Rick Spears. It's all about teens fighting against censorship to defend the comics they love, and it's partially inspired by Mike Diana's infamous legal battle. You'll get your own copy, autographed by the author. This reward includes a signed Blu-ray and exclusive Mike Diana mini-comic.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $125 or more
About $125

HELLAWARE bundle

LIMITED REWARD: Factory 25 has generously offered us 10 copies of their fantastic release of the film HELLAWARE, an art world satire of considerable acclaim. The bundle includes a DVD of the movie, a 7 inch record by The Young Torture Killers (with artwork by Mike Diana) and a 52 page book with a forward by Abel Ferrara and original art by Mike Diana.

On top of that, you'll also get the exclusive campaign comic by Mike Diana, a signed Blu-ray, and all of the previous digital rewards. This is a great deal and only 10 are available!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $150 or more
About $150

Mike Diana will Draw You

The only US artist ever to be convicted of obscenity has drawn a lot of wild and crazy stuff. But he hasn't drawn you.... until now. With this reward, Mike Diana will sketch your face. Scan it and use it as your profile pic. Frame it in your home to discourage unwanted houseguests. Your call! You'll get a signed Blu-ray and exclusive comic, too.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $150 or more
About $150

Friends and Family Screening - NYC

We're showing the film to friends and family before it comes out, and saving some seats for our Kickstarter backers at this exclusive and private event. Join us, with a friend! That's right, you get TWO tickets. Not included: NYC travel and accommodations. Included: bragging rights, obvs.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $200 or more
About $200

Original Art Bundle: "Meat Snack"

Looking for amazing original artwork? This reward is for you. You'll get the Mike Diana original illustration "Meat Snack", plus the comic Mike Diana is creating exclusively for this campaign, PLUS a sketch of Frank Henenlotter's character Elmer personalized to you by Frank. You'll also get the digital rewards, including a download of the finished movie. Don't miss this extremely rare opportunity!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $200 or more
About $200

Original Art Bundle: "Melon Banger"

Looking for amazing original artwork? This reward is for you. You'll get the Mike Diana original illustration "Melon Banger", plus the comic Mike Diana is creating exclusively for this campaign, PLUS a sketch of Frank Henenlotter's character Elmer personalized to you by Frank. You'll also get the digital rewards, including a download of the finished movie. Don't miss this extremely rare opportunity!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $200 or more
About $200

Original Art Bundle: "Coke Adds Life"

Looking for amazing original artwork? This reward is for you. You'll get the Mike Diana original illustration "Coke Adds Lifes", plus the comic Mike Diana is creating exclusively for this campaign, PLUS a sketch of Frank Henenlotter's character Elmer personalized to you by Frank. You'll also get the digital rewards, including a download of the finished movie. Don't miss this extremely rare opportunity!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $200 or more
About $200

Original Art Bundle: "Don't Open"

Looking for amazing original artwork? This reward is for you. You'll get the Mike Diana original illustration "Don't Open Til X-Mas", plus the comic Mike Diana is creating exclusively for this campaign, PLUS a sketch of Frank Henenlotter's character Elmer personalized to you by Frank. You'll also get the digital rewards, including a download of the finished movie. Don't miss this extremely rare opportunity!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $200 or more
About $200

Boiled Angel Lives box set

For the first time since their original printing, Mike Diana's infamous homemade fanzines BOILED ANGEL are being reprinted exclusively by Mike,
and will be shipping in time for X-mas! You get all eight issues of Boiled Angel, along with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Mike. Each box is signed and numbered on inside lid, each issue signed/numbered on inside front cover. If you get it from us, it comes with our digital rewards, a signed blu-ray and an exclusive Mike Diana campaign comic.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $200 or more
About $200

Original Art Bundle: "Snow Sled"

Just in time for X-Mas, here is the obvious gift for your loved ones. You'll get the Mike Diana original illustration "Snow Sled", plus the comic Mike Diana is creating exclusively for this campaign, PLUS a sketch of Frank Henenlotter's character Elmer personalized to you by Frank. You'll also get the digital rewards, including a download of the finished movie. Don't miss this extremely rare opportunity!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $200 or more
About $200

Original Art Bundle: "Big Bite"

Take a big bite out censorship with this reward! You'll get the Mike Diana original illustration "Big Bite", plus the comic Mike Diana is creating exclusively for this campaign, PLUS a sketch of Frank Henenlotter's character Elmer personalized to you by Frank. You'll also get the digital rewards, including a download of the finished movie. Don't miss this extremely rare opportunity!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $200 or more
About $200

Original Art Bundle: "Rat Eat Eye"

Having two eyes is overrated. Even with only one, you'll be able to appreciate the beauty of this reward! You'll get the Mike Diana original illustration "Rat Eat Eye", plus the comic Mike Diana is creating exclusively for this campaign, PLUS a sketch of Frank Henenlotter's character Elmer personalized to you by Frank. You'll also get the digital rewards, including a download of the finished movie. Don't miss this extremely rare opportunity!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

The Ultimate Haul

What's in a name? With this reward, yours (first and last!) will be not just listed under "special thanks" but rather actually hand-drawn by Mike Diana -- bigger, bolder, and singling you out as being amongst a small group of those who support artistic freedom of expression.

If that's not enough, you get nearly EVERY OTHER reward! Amazing deal.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $600 or more
About $600

FAILE signed print: "Eastern Suspenso"

Famed street artists FAILE have offered us a single signed print of their most recent release "Eastern Suspenso". This is from a completely sold-out run, and also comes with a campaign exclusive comic, personalized Elmer sketch, all of the digital rewards, and Mike Diana will draw you! An amazing, once in a lifetime deal.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $700 or more
About $700

The Ultimate Haul: Neil Gaiman Edition

Uncertain what reward to choose? The Ultimate Haul gets you one of almost every reward we have to offer, including many limited items. This special edition also features a print by artist David Mack (Kabuki, Daredevil), based on a quote by Neil Gaiman (The Sandman), and signed by Neil himself! This is truly the ultimate haul. Don't miss out as we only have one of these for sale.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

Movie Night with Frank, Mike and Anthony

Crash one of Frank Henenlotter's infamous and rousing movie nights! Horror classic, little-seen musical from the '30s, or the latest blockbuster -- you never know what Frank will choose to put on, but you can be sure it'll be something he's passionate about sharing. Benefit from his encyclopedic knowledge of film history. Participate in the always-spirited debate. Not included: NYC Travel and accommodations.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

Original Collage by Judith Supine

Do you believe in art without boundaries? You can communicate that message while also improving your home decorating game with this original collage by famed street artist Judith Supine. Measuring 14 in x 14 in, this piece should fit comfortably into any living situation.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,500 or more
About $1,500

Original Painting: "Baby In a Blender"

For the fine art connoisseur, we present a Mike Diana original. "Baby In a Blender" is acrylic on canvas, measuring 36in x 48in. Thought by most art critics to be the definitive take on the blended infant motif, this painting will transform the atmosphere of your home into that of a rarified gallery. *No babies were harmed in the making of this artwork